to consider the following motions received (if any) in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1.
(a) By Cllrs Tucker and Brazil
“This Council is very concerned with some of the consequences of the Housing Bill. We may find ourselves unable to address our local housing needs and welcome some of the amendments proposed by the Lords, in particular those in respect of ‘Starter Homes’. We call upon local MPs to lobby Government Ministers and, as a last resort, vote against Government legislation that will prevent planning authorities doing what’s best for our local communities.”
(b) By Cllrs Green and Hodgson
“This Council notes the suffering forced upon local residents as a result of this government’s cuts programme and asserts that there is an alternative to its ideologically driven attack on public services, namely the levy of a financial transaction tax on the speculative activities that have accelerated the recent enrichment of the few to the detriment of the many. The Council therefore calls upon the Government to enact a financial transaction tax (Robin Hood Tax) and use the revenues from this measure to reverse ongoing shrinkage in central grants to our Council. In doing so, we would be combatting austerity both within our authority and beyond joining 70 other councils, including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Islington, Manchester and Sheffield.
(c) By Cllrs Hodgson and Green
“This Council develops a policy opposing the use of the process known as ‘Fracking’ in South Hams to obtain fossil fuels. ‘Fracking’ is a dangerous exploitive process that brings a low rate of return of energy, can create mini earthquakes and can pollute drinking water supplies.
(d) By Cllrs Hodgson and Green
‘This Council bans the use of Glyphosphate herbicide as a dangerous pollutant on council land. Glyphosphate is now listed by the World Health Organisation as a probably carcinogen and is dangerous to wildlife and drinking water supplies. It is banned in Denmark, Holland, Paris and Sri Lanka. France, Brazil and El Salvador are also currently considering full bans.”
(e) By Cllrs Hodgson and Baldry
“This Council will not permit the culling of badgers on Council owned land, it will instead permit the Bovine TB vaccination programme to be carried out on badgers. The Badger cull is barbaric and dangerous for humans and wildlife within the (two mile) shooting range and interferes with wildlife and natural habitats. The vaccination programme is sage, cheaper and more reliable to avoid any spread of Bovine TB.”
Minutes:
16/16
It was noted that five motions had been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1.
?
(a) By Cllrs Tucker and Brazil
“This Council is very concerned with some of the consequences of the Housing Bill. We may find ourselves unable to address our local housing needs and welcome some of the amendments proposed by the Lords, in particular those in respect of ‘Starter Homes’. We call upon local MPs to lobby Government Ministers and, as a last resort, vote against Government legislation that will prevent planning authorities doing what’s best for our local communities.”
In light of emerging information that had become apparent since this motion had been submitted, the proposer and seconder confirmed that it was their wish to formally withdraw it from being considered at this meeting.
(b) By Cllrs Green and Hodgson
“This Council notes the suffering forced upon local residents as a result of this government’s cuts programme and asserts that there is an alternative to its ideologically driven attack on public services, namely the levy of a financial transaction tax on the speculative activities that have accelerated the recent enrichment of the few to the detriment of the many. The Council therefore calls upon the Government to enact a financial transaction tax (Robin Hood Tax) and use the revenues from this measure to reverse ongoing shrinkage in central grants to our Council. In doing so, we would be combatting austerity both within our authority and beyond joining 70 other councils, including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Islington, Manchester and Sheffield.”
In introducing this motion, the proposer made reference to:-
- the potential for this tax to raise in the region of £20 billion per year;
- this proposal having the support of a number of local authorities; and
- the motion seeking approval to write a letter to central government outlining our support for these proposals.
During the ensuing debate, some Members highlighted the widespread support amongst world leaders and the UK population for these proposals.
When put to the vote, the motion was declared LOST.
(c) By Cllrs Hodgson and Green
“This Council develops a policy opposing the use of the process known as ‘Fracking’ in South Hams to obtain fossil fuels. ‘Fracking’ is a dangerous exploitive process that brings a low rate of return of energy, can create mini earthquakes and can pollute drinking water supplies.”
The proposer introduced the motion and informed that it reflected local concerns over fracking and the consequent need to develop a policy.
In discussion, there was a brief debate on the suitability of fracking in the South Hams and whether or not the geology of the district lent itself to shale gas.
When put to the vote, the motion was declared LOST.
(d) By Cllrs Hodgson and Green
“This Council bans the use of Glyphosphate herbicide as a dangerous pollutant on council land. Glyphosphate is now listed by the World Health Organisation as a probably carcinogen and is dangerous to wildlife and drinking water supplies. It is banned in Denmark, Holland, Paris and Sri Lanka. France, Brazil and El Salvador are also currently considering full bans.”
In introducing her motion, the proposer made particular reference to:-
· her realising that the correct spelling of the herbicide was in fact ‘glyphosate’;
· scientific evidence indicating that glyphosate probably caused cancer. In addition, the proposer wished to highlight that this herbicide was found in water and air where it had been sprayed;
· the motion being brought in light of concerns being raised with the proposer by residents who lived in Totnes, Dartington and Staverton;
· the view that a decision to ban the use of glyphosate on Council owned land would set a good example and that there were alternative options in existence that should be used instead;
In discussion, reference was made to:-
(a) the need for Members to listen and adhere to international guidance in this respect;
(b) particular concerns being raised in relation to the potential health implications for young people who were exposed to glyphosate which was being used on play areas.
When put to the vote, the motion was declared LOST.
(e) By Cllrs Hodgson and Baldry
“This Council will not permit the culling of badgers on Council owned land, it will instead permit the Bovine TB vaccination programme to be carried out on badgers. The Badger cull is barbaric and dangerous for humans and wildlife within the (two mile) shooting range and interferes with wildlife and natural habitats. The vaccination programme is sage, cheaper and more reliable to avoid any spread of Bovine TB.”
The proposer introduced her motion and made reference to:-
- a ban on Council owned land would set a good example and illustrate that there were alternative means of vaccination;
- the cost of every Bovine TB outbreak costing in the region of £34,000;
- the offers made by George Eustace MP to help Bovine TB from spreading should be taken up.
In support of the motion, other Members made the following points:-
(a) the average cost of the vaccination programme being only £30 per badger. In addition, vaccination was considered to be a far more effective and efficient method than simply culling badgers;
(b) the cull being supported by less than one-third of the UK population.
When put to the vote, the motion was declared LOST.